What Genetic Lab Should I Use?

I receive a ton of calls for advice on which lab to choose. I typically answer their questions, with my own questions. I will ask them:

• Do you have a preference already using Texas or California?
• Are you comfortable using a computer to submit your requests?
• Where are your current Dexters tested and on file? (This info is found on their testing paperwork and if recently tested, on the ADCA pedigree site.)

• If they tell me their 5 new cows were all tested at Texas A&M (TAMU) then it would make sense to just stay with that lab.
• If they bought 5 cows that were lab tested at UC Davis and then bought a bull that was tested at TAMU, then I would say it would be easy to just transfer the bull's genetic marker test to UC Davis, so he is on file there too.
• If they said I have 5 cows tested at TAMU and another 3 cows tested at UC Davis. I would say then get the bull on file at both labs so you can utilize both labs depending on the calf. OR you can move all 5 cows or all 3 cows to the opposite lab.

It makes for a less complicated calving season if you make sure to have all of your animals on file at one lab. Both labs will accept the genetic marker test (and any genotype test), from the other lab, for a small transfer fee.

Below you will see in the picture below, that our pedigree sight has the lab number listed for this heifer. She was tested at UC Davis. This is a fairly recent addition to our pedigree site, so you will likely not find this information if the Dexter is older than a couple of years. CLICK HERE to go to the pedigree site to search your Dexters. Again, you may not see a lab number if the Dexter is older.